$1-million Canada Mile stepping stone to Breeders Bowl
Ontario– Monster Milers in action here at Ontario this week for one of the Sim’s most respected races: the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Canada Mile. Only 12 horses enter this year’s premier event — great and competitive group though led by racetime favorite Urko’s Danzig.
Long and rich history to this race and its turf heroes simply echo on down from yesteryear:
- 1999: Sim Hall Of Famer Enough Knock went wire-to-wire in 1:34 3/5, his first of *two* Canada Mile crowns. Nicknamed the “Phantom King,” win’s Enough Knock would go on to capture the Sim Eclipse Award for Champion Turf Horse that year. Of all the horses to ever grace the Sim’s racetracks, Enough Knock was one of the pure greats. He’s on everyone’s All-time Top 5 Sim Horses lists and some folks might even consider him #1. Future HOFers School Kris(GB) (’00 Horse Of The Year & champion Turf Horse) and Seriously Double (’99 Champion Turf Mare) also in that Canada Mile field.
- 2000: Enough Knock had to work for his 2nd Canada Mile victory every step of the way, getting into a big speed duel. He got the job done though by 3/4-lengths in 1:34 4/5. Enough Knock won over $7.8-million on the racetrack and 27 victories from 64 starts. Amazing. 🙂 Trivia: For one year only, the Canada Mile went under the name “Canada Turf” (which of course is the name of the 12f race later in the fall graded schedule). The powers that be changed the name back to “Canada Mile” the following year.
- 2001: The previous year’s 2,000 Guineas hero Used Bandaid measured up again at age 4, storming from last to 1st to capture the ’01 Canada Mile. Jungleboy’s Used Bandaid was a phenom trained by high-rolling player Davarto. ‘Bandaid won many grades throughout his career and had quite a fan following. Folks might even consider him someday for the HOF. Unfortunately, ‘Bandaid lost the 2001 BB Mile ironically to a Canada Mile also-ran (but what an also-ran he was!): Enough Knock. Also in the field: Bluegrass Derby, Middle Jewel, and 2-time Sim Eclipse winner Buda With The Slew and Starke Storm, probably the greatest turf sprinter ever in the Sim.
- 2002: And this guy should be in the HOF someday too: titleist’s Volotile Nijinsky who won handy-dandy as the ’02 racetime favorite. Nicknamed “Motorin’ Mobile Volotile,” he earned over $4.7-million and was one of the greatest Monster Milers ever. Heaps of graded scores with wickedley fast times cracking 1:34. Unfortunately, he went 0-for-2 in the BB Mile and thus is probably best known as one of the biggest BB flops. Too bad, because this horse was soooooo fast.
- 2003: 1:34 flat stakes record for darkman’s longshot Ghostbuster who ran the race of his life, never seriously threatened in a wire-to-wire romp. He was probably the best Free House colt ever in the Sim. The big guy won 9 stakes races through 4 seasons, but the Canada Mile proved to be his one shining moment in the Grade 1 sun. Great field for Ghostbuster’s year: Volotile Nijinsky, major stakes winners Ray Of Pye, Starke Storm, Daneye, and more.
- 2004: Could never really pronounce Satrustegui‘s name, but you can always remember him as the sole sophomore to claim the Canada Mile crown. And he did it in only his 7th career start too — bagur stable’s late-bloomer eventually finished 2nd to La Groom’s Wood in that year’s BB Mile. Satrustegui tried to defend his Canada Mile crown in ’05, but he was a different horse then and never won another graded stakes. Now at age 5, the Forty Niner horse remains active in the ALW ranks.
- 2005: Then owned by ejdstable, Xtremely A Fan came from way off pace to capture his Mile in 1:34 1/5. The 4YO had evolved into a hot miler prospect over the summer and ran 3rd in Mizzen Dixie’s ’05 BB Mile. To the complete shock of the Sim, trainer ejdstable placed Xtremley A Fan as well as a few of their other stables’ stakes winners in claiming races. Something about, “the games funner if you work your way from the ground up” or thereabouts. New trainer jpcrazy won the crazy claiming shake and Xtremely A Fan has since won a pair of grades for his new owner.
Who shall join this elite company? Let’s look at the 2006 renewal………..
The Faves:
5/1 – Urko’s Danzig (urko): 5YO Danzig royal bred racing with the miler big boys for most of ’06. Won the Lone Star Mile(G2) and High Lady Cup(G3), a pair of traditional grass miles which act as stepping stones to the Grade 1 races. Had a chance to bag a Grade 1 in the Jack The Man(G1-8fT), but got passed late by Last Groom T and Forbidden Treasure’s sweeping stretch drives.
I think this guy’s gonna do great here. There probably won’t be a huge speed duel, so he could tread water a bit behind the pace and take over at the top of the stretch. With plenty left in the tank, maybe the closers won’t catch him this time. Tremendously consistent and hard knocking horse — he’s only missed the 100 SP# barrier once in his last 8 outings. If still in form, could become a millionaire with the win Saturday. 35th career call to the post with a good jockey in the irons too. Threatening. Worthy favorite.
6/1 – Manifest Destiny (tigerman): One of the top 3YO turf milers last season, this Storm Cat son competed I believe wound up with a minor cheque in the ’05 BB Mile. From nextbonus stables, he’s one of my favorite Sim stars! 🙂 Destiny hasn’t been dominant this year, but he certainly pays his dues. He won the Crock Of Gold(G1-8fT) in a thrilling photo finish and placed in the popular Dr. Reuben Garr Memorial(G1-8fT).
He went through a string of 4th and 5th place finishes over the summer though, but all at the highest Grade 1 level. This guy keeps the very best company. Probably a bit disappointing to lose the Grade 2 step-down then LTO in the Fivestarnick(G2-8.5f), though Destiny did pick up another placing. Frankly he’s overdue for a victory. Worrisome to see his SP#s deteriorate, but too soon to jump the gun. He races on two weeks rest then, making 30th career call to post. Did try that two-week trick earlier this year without success though. Top jockey B Renfroe pilots the star from midpack or thereabouts. Always one to watch.
6/1 – Congo (steff): Arazi 5YO has kept classy graded company all season. He was a winner back around February too, posting a 112 SP# score in the Arcade Handicap(G-8fT). Hasn’t hit the board at the highest level since though, but did sandwich in a listed stakes miler score as a confidence booster. Finished 5th LTO to Gold Inferno in the Fried Rice Mile(G2-8fT).
I think this guy should be at a bit longer odds, but he has a very nice scenario here if he can wrestle the pace for himself. Last Groom T might challenge big for that honor, but Congo could show the way if all else declines to grab the lead. Merits respect with over $1.3-million in career earnings, ranking 17th in the division. Needs to bring his A-game in his 30th career call to the post. Excellent jockey in the irons. Does he still have the right stuff to win at this level? Interesting.
6/1 – Gold Inferno (correction): Correction is one of the oldest stables in the game going back to the Sim’s prehistoric days. LOL! 🙂 Gold Inferno interestingly broke on through the graded ranks on this same weekend last year, winning the Violin Mile(G3-8fT) for 3yos. However, the Seeking The Gold son has knocked heads *this* season in the turf sprinter ranks, finishing 5th in the Equinics and even competing against AP Rizz Kid in the Hyperactive Handicap(G3-7fT).
So, it was sprinter ranks for Gold Inferno until two starts ago. The 4YO colt competed on Smackdown day, entering a mile stakes versus owner-restricted company. Breaking last in a 15-horse field, Gold Inferno thoroughly enjoyed the Monster Mile, making up loads of ground to finish 3rd with a 104 SP#. That effort warranted a shot at the Grade 2 level and Gold Inferno passed that test in tremendous style, marking a 112 SP# victory in the Fried Rice Mile(G2-8fT).
He went off as a longshot in both starts, but this time garners much more respect from the oddsmakers. Gold Inferno makes his 29th career start at absolutely the top of his game. Not a lot of speed here to run at, but what a fabulous score this would be for correction stable if Gold Inferno could somehow pull this off. He’s got the best form right now in this field and a good jockey to guide him– will that be enough for the winner’s circle prize?
In The Wings:
7/1 – Echoes (gallorette): Epic enters his always competitive E Dubai 5YO. Awesome come-from-the-clouds closer — Echoes hasn’t won in a long spell, but he sure has tacked on more prize money this season to his monstrous $2-million bankroll. Among those paydays was a strong 2nd, making up heaps of ground in the Sydney Mile(G1-8fT) in late springtime. After knocking heads with the best turf sprinters on Smackdown day BTW — fantastic 4th place finish!), Echoes finished 5th in Last Groom T’s Jack The Man(G1-8fT).
He makes his 32nd call to the post with a green (albeit 14% winning) jockey aboard. Four weeks rest for the #18-ranked horse. Hmmm… wear and tear or just unlucky? It hink a little bit of both, but more the latter. He doesn’t get a speed-ladedn scenario to run at again here Saturday. If the pace surprises us though, look out. This guy’s due. 12-hole shouldn’t be too much of a problem I don’t think
7/1 – Last Groom T (eastecho99): Splendid victory in the Jack The Man(G1-8fT) for this Western Groom clone (Champion Older Horse in ’01 or ’02?!!). Gone West 5YO scored a 108 SP# in a perfectly navigated midpack score. It was his 29th career start too and pushed his earning to just shy of $1-million.
‘T a real runner too — after finishing 5th in the Dr. Reuben Garr Memorial(G1-8fT), his trainer made sure that he got T a recovering win from 2 starts in the SLW ranks. The colt responded well with an upturn in form, inhaling the Philly Cheese Steak(G3-8fT) with a sparkling 107 SP#. Lousy jockey on board, but I think ‘T could be our lone pacesetter. Might get some mild pressure, but he’s overcome that in the past. Looks like he missed the break LTO in the Fivestarnick(G2). What’s worrisome about him though is that that effort was on two weeks rest and he wheels back here on two weeks again. He does follow this hard schedule — but is it one too many times to the well? Legitimate concern after his poor effort last outing. If on target though, he could take this one wire-to-wire or near wire-to-wire. Big possibility.
9/1 – Forbidden Treasure (billgulch): Son of 2003 BB Mile winner Sunken Treasure. Empire Maker 4YO has been here and there over both surfaces his entire career — no slouch though, making his ‘papa’ proud earing over $579k. Returned to the turf ranks three starts back and picked up some minor shares in a couple of stakes. Nothing really spectacular though.
That is until his Jack The Man(G1-8fT) runner-up effort LTO — ‘Treasure lived up to his parentage in that one, closing from off pace to miss Last Groom T by 1 3/4 lengths. A giant 106 SP# there signals this guy’s fitness and capability at the graded level. But does he have the consistency? Good jockey aboard. Not Without a shot. Has to fly from the back of the pack though — maybe he can sit a little forward this time and make a midpack effort. Interesting.
9/1 – A.P. Rizz Kid (lordpye2): I just adore this 4YO A.P. Indy filly! She defeated maes over the summer with a swift 109 SP# in the Hyperactive Handicap(G3-7fT). She’s been no slouch ever since too in the graded female turf sprinter ranks and even got beat by just a whisker when returning to competition versus male sprinters LTO.
The ‘Kid’s going so well, but I’m puzzled why Pye would enter her here at a mile. Other than glory and major bragging rights, what does this race do for her at this point in her career? Two players sponsored *two* Grade 2 turf sprints this week — I saw that Pye has a runner in one of them — shouldn’t ‘Kid have been entered in the other in hopes of garnering points for a possible Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint start? She’ll get points here if she hits the board, but I think it’s a riskier proposition. She’s 0-for-6 lifetime around two-turns too and hasn’t raced at a mile or more since her 3YO year. Lousy jockey pilots superb filly amongst the stalkers. Wildcard can go either way.
The Longshots:
13/1 – A.P. Jack CB (azuma25): A.P. Indy 5YO horse makes 33rd career start. Hasn’t raced much this year and has mostly kept to the listed turf ranks. Won over 9f this summer, but didn’t fare well when attempting a pair of graded turf stakes.
Not much to go on after a poor performance over 8.5f LTO. This seems like a reach. Would be quite a surprise if he made any kind of dent here. Not much of a chance.
14/1 – Skills In Magic (peeps9): #2-ranked Turf Classic division 3YO colt sired by Denon out of a Sadler’s Wells mare. Fresh off of his rollicking Big Red(G2-10fT) score versus his age group, this guy’s been knocking heads versus Cortez, Lex Luthor, etc. Seems like he’s more of a short-to-classic route runner though.
Merits big respect, earning $1.3 milion from just 16 starts. Big experiment here to see if he is capable of Monster Miler speeds. I think he’s got a great chance and well worth the gamble. Unfortunately, he’s a big-time closer and won’t get a heap of speed to run at. Did miss by 3/4-length over 9f earlier this season. One to watch. Positively blossoming at the right time too with two straight 100+ SP# performances. Experienced jockey N Linville in the irons is an added plus. Dangerous if he can overcome pace scenario.
16/1 – Two Storms (maryfran): What a lovely sophomore! The Coronado’s Quest son has won or placed in 10 of 11 lifetime starts. All have been around one-turn though and he gutsily makes his route debut in top-notched “super bowl” spot. Patient trainer exhausted the ‘T-storm’s conditions perfectly through the ALW ranks. The colt also bagged the Grade 3 Joisy Stakes(G3-7fT) versus his age group as part of a 6-race win streak this past spring and summer.
Unfortunately, this 3YO rising star flopped badly when at long last testing his age group’s Grade 1 level (8th by 10 lengths in the Never Ready Sprint(G1-6fT)). Ambitious placement, but tempered by the fact that this colt reeks of talent…. just how go is he? Stalker must prove he belongs na drecover from awful bounce LTO. Can go either way.
21/1 – Benz Coca (bentakai): Seeking the Gold 5YO makes only his 13th career start. Exhausted his ALW conditions this spring and early summer in the turf sprint ranks. Did score a 103 SP# over a mile in a NW4x. That number warranted a stakes try at the listed level. No success there as the horse never made any running.
Beautifully bred horse but he lacks seasoning. Talented, but this is a shot in the dark at the Grade 1 level. At best, might surprise by grabbing a minor cheque. Still, he’s not that bad of a longshot. Just looks rushed.
Snowchief’s Picks:
No true-blue pacesetter within this group. Lots of stalkers though and perhaps Congo or Last Groom T may inherit the lead by default. If they get a soft lead, then watch out! They’re the caliber of stakes horse that can be pretty tough to run down in the lane.
I don’t think Urko’s Danzig will join this pair. He’ll probably sit back as usual — if the pacesetters duke it each other out, then he might pounce for all its worth and hopefully hold off the closers.
It’s possible that sophomore Two Storms could surprise by jolting out to the lead. He’s a talented colt, but this is “into the frying pan” for him. We’ve seen these types of longshots win, but personally I think it’s more of a rare than commonplace occurence. Wouldn’t be surprised if he hung on for a minor share.
Manifest Destiny has been racing closer up than usual of late. He might join the stalkers or sit about midpack. Hasn’t done a heckuva lot in a while though and needs to turn his season around. The filly A.P. Rizz Kid pretty much fires from midpack. She’s a wildcard and really has to prove that she belongs. Savvy trainer, but I much prefer her in sprints.
Echoes, Forbidden Treasure, Gold Inferno, A.P. Jack CB, Benz Coca, and sophomore Skills In Magic all make up the closers group. Gold Inferno’s red-hot, but has to prove that his last race was no fluke.
Skills In Magic is in a litmus test type of experiment. Very good colt who might garner piece of purse, but can go either way. A.P. Jack CB and Benz Coca probably won’t make much noise.
As for deep closers Echoes and Forbidden Treasure — two classy runners (especially the former), but they need pace to run at if they hope to conquer the frontrunners.
My heart’s with Manifest Destiny, Echoes, and Gold Inferno, but I think Urko’s Danzig or Congo will rebound from their last efforts to take this one. Last Groom T all in the hunt. Chicken me will go with the fave. ;^)
Win: Urko’s Danzig
Place: Congo or Last Groom T
Show: Echoes
Good luck to all.